Spain · Country watch

Spain Eases US Listing Rules, Ouigo Strikes Loom

Spain eases listing rules for US markets; Ouigo train drivers plan strikes, impacting travel.

Florent Kalfon · October 9, 2026 · 8 sources

The picture Mixed

Business conditions in Spain show mixed signals: eased US listing rules improve capital access, but planned Ouigo strikes and tighter AML controls pose challenges.

In this briefing Spanish government · Ministry of Economy (Spain) · Sepblac · CNMV · Ouigo · Semaf

Regulation

finance

Spain eases rules for US stock listings

The Spanish government has amended regulations to allow Spanish companies to list their shares on non-EU markets, such as Wall Street, without relocating their main registration abroad, according to elcorreo.com. This change, known as the 'Ley Ferrovial', aims to prevent situations like Ferrovial's recent decision to move its headquarters to the Netherlands for a US listing. The reform is part of a broader effort to make Spain more attractive for international business.

Impact Spanish companies gain easier access to US capital markets, enhancing funding opportunities.

Sources: elcorreo.com ↗

finance
technology

Spain tightens anti-money laundering controls

Spain's Ministry of Economy has accelerated reforms to strengthen anti-money laundering controls, especially targeting notaries, crypto ATMs, and gambling operations, Invertia.com reports. The changes include requiring cryptocurrency providers to obtain a prior report from Sepblac before receiving approval from the CNMV to operate in Spain. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance financial security and compliance ahead of the upcoming elections on November 29.

Impact Crypto providers and financial institutions face stricter compliance requirements.

Watch Elections on November 29. · 29 November 2026

Sources: Invertia.com ↗

Disruption

logistics
tourism

Ouigo train drivers plan strikes in November, December

Ouigo train drivers in Spain, represented by the Semaf union, have announced strikes during the November and December holiday periods, citing excessive working hours and lack of rest, according to La Razon and 20minutos.es. The strikes are set to coincide with major travel days, potentially disrupting services. Ouigo has expressed willingness to continue dialogue with the union over these 'interpretative differences' in their labor agreement.

Impact Travelers face potential disruptions during holiday periods; logistics may be affected.

Sources: La Razon ↗, 20minutos.es ↗